Then, we transition to a panel led by Susan Stuart Clark featuring library directors Jayanti Addleman (Hayward) and Derek Wolfgram (Redwood City). They share on-the-ground stories of how their institutions transformed overnight—from providing hotspots and homework centers to becoming de facto daytime shelters for unhoused neighbors. This episode highlights the resilience of library staff, the mental health crisis, and the lasting impact of the digital divide.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• [00:03:40] Origins of “Free for All”: How the filmmakers realized librarians are "first responders" during Hurricane Katrina, aiding evacuees when other systems failed.
• [00:10:45] The RV Tour Idea: Innovative distribution plans to project the documentary in library parking lots to maintain community during social distancing.
• [00:15:00] Hayward’s Pivot: How Hayward Public Library immediately extended loan periods to one year and distributed hotspots to support students and immigrant families.
• [00:18:20] Redwood City Online: The surprise benefit of online programming, which increased accessibility for people with disabilities and transportation barriers.
• [00:21:00] Basic Needs & Hygiene: Libraries stepping up to provide portable toilets and handwashing stations for unhoused populations when public spaces closed.
• [00:30:00] The Heartbreak of Success: A story about a patron who found housing but was devastated to lose his daily connection to the Redwood City Library community.
• [00:50:00] The Future of Funding: The unprecedented opportunity of ARPA stimulus funds going directly to cities to help rebuild local services.

Guests & Host

• George Koster – Host and Executive Producer of Voices of the Community.
• Eric Estrada – Associate Producer and Host.
• Dawn Logsdon & Lucie Faulknor – Co-Founders of Serendipity Films and creators of the documentary Free for All.
• Susan Stuart Clark – Founder of Common Knowledge and community engagement expert.
• Jayanti Addleman – Director of Library Services for the City of Hayward.
• Derek Wolfgram – Library Director of Redwood City Public Library.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Free for All Documentary: Learn more about the film at FreeForAllFilms.org.
• Voices of the Community Episode 10: Listen to the full interview with the filmmakers here: https://georgekoster.com/voc-free-for-all
• Voices of the Community Library Panel: Listen to the full panel discussion with Susan, Jayanti, and Derek here: https://georgekoster.com/voc-stories-common-knowledge-library-panel

Learn More about our Guests & Series 

• Listen to the full conversations: Dive deeper into these stories by listening to the complete interviews in Episode 10 and the Library Panel Episode.
• Explore the Series: Check out the full COVID-19 Special Series
• Support the Show: Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue producing these stories. Click the donate button at voicesofthecommunity.com
• Signup for our Newsletter to stay in the loop on future shows and live events
• Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. 

Credits & Acknowledgments

• Produced by: George Koster and Alien Boy Productions
• Associate Producer, Audio & Video: Eric Estrada
• Visual Design: Casey Nance of Citron Studio
• Broadcast Partners: KSFP-LP 102.5 FM (San Francisco) and KPCA-LP 103.3 FM (Petaluma)
• Special Thanks: BAVC Media for the initial collaboration on the SF Non-Profit Spotlight.

Transcript

Full transcripts and video episodes are available on our website and YouTube channel.

• Website:https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlight-show-part-4-libraries-transcript
• YouTube: George Koster

🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special Series

If you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact:

• Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2
• From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. 
• COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.
• Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.